The solar power plant with a capacity of 18.3 MW was built and is operated by the German company Quanta Energy. On sunny days, it can fully supply the factory with electricity, and on average, it covers about a quarter of its annual energy needs. The use of sheep has become part of a project in the field of agrivoltaics — a direction that combines solar energy production and agriculture on the same territory. This practice is already being implemented in the USA and the UK; however, Volkswagen calls its project one of the largest industrial examples of agrivoltaics in Europe, as it is accompanied by scientific research. According to Volkswagen Poznań’s quality director Marzena Pillich-Grońska, the solar farm today not only produces environmentally friendly electricity but also contributes to biodiversity conservation, agricultural development, and scientific experimentation. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the University of Life Sciences in Poznań. Researchers are studying how sheep grazing affects animal welfare, soil condition, plant diversity, microclimate, and the local ecosystem. “Agrivoltaics allows us to view solar power plants much more broadly than just as a source of energy. We are investigating how photovoltaic installations impact animals and the environment, including whether the shade from the panels helps reduce heat stress in sheep,” noted Dr. Jonna Skladanówska-Baryza. Scientists are also analyzing changes in temperature, humidity, soil condition, and vegetation to determine the most effective ways to combine renewable energy and agriculture. The sheep will remain on the power plant’s territory until autumn under the supervision of experienced breeders. In addition to natural grass maintenance, this approach allows for a reduction in regular mowing, decreases maintenance costs and carbon dioxide emissions, and creates favorable conditions for insects and other representatives of the local fauna. The flock owner Justyna Nowak-Gajek stated that the animals quickly adapted to their new environment, feel calm, and distribute themselves across the territory, grazing in different parts of the solar power plant. The Volkswagen project demonstrates that modern technology and traditional agriculture can successfully complement each other. While the sheep take care of the lawns under the solar panels, scientists are gathering valuable data that will help make the use of renewable energy even more environmentally friendly and efficient.
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